Martin P. Finnegan

Martin P. Finnegan, 81, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday evening, March 1, 2007, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.A son of the late John J. and Amy Finnegan, Martin was born on January 31, 1926 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Martin retired from the Social Security Administration after forty-one years of service. He was a member of the New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club for 40 years and received their Hixon Service Award. He was also a long time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and active in their garden club. He particularly enjoyed taking care of the roses. Martin also participated in the RCIA program. He was also a member of the Tuscarawas County Writers Guild. Martin was an avid reader and writer of stories. His short story, “The Naturalist” was published in Rodale’s Organic Gardening magazine. He also wrote, “Sketches of My Life,” an autobiography for his family. Martin spent many hours working in his vegetable and flower gardens.In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by brothers, Michael Finnegin, Patrick Finnegan, and Larry Finnegan; sister, Margaret Jenkins; and daughter-in-law, Deb Gatlin Finnegan.He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karin A. Finnegan nee Gerber, whom he married February 28, 1946; children, Carol (Greg) Carlson of Vancouver, Washington, Mary (Stev Ominski) Finnegan of Corvallis, Oregon, Diana (Dan) Kidd of Scio, Ohio, Paul Finnegan of Salem, Oregon, Dan (Karen) Finnegan of New Braunfels, Texas, Tim (Amy Everett) Finnegan of Stone Creek, Ohio, Joe (Heather) Finnegan of Baden, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by sister, Catherine Yuengert of Wexford, Pennsylvania; brother, John J. (Frances) Finnegan of St. Paul, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.Friends are invited to call Sunday, March 4, 2007, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where Christian Wake Service will be held at 5:00 p.m.Msgr. George J. Schlegel will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Monday, March 5, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.A reception will be given for family and friends following the committal in St. Ambrose Hall.The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Sacred Heart Church’s garden club, 139 Third Street N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.